State Implements New Law in 2025 to Curb Youth E-Cigarette Use
A recent study conducted by The Freedom Center, a Maryland-based addiction treatment facility, has identified Kentucky as the seventh-largest underage vaping hotspot in the United States. The study analyzed data from the American Lung Association, Public Health Law Center, and the Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addiction (CASAA), revealing that 21.9% of Kentucky high school students use vapes.
Read moreAddiction Treatment Specialists Analyze Data, Call for Stricter Regulations to Protect Youth
A recent study conducted by addiction treatment specialists at The Freedom Center has identified Oklahoma as the eighth-largest underage vaping hotspot in the United States. The study analyzed data from the American Lung Association, revealing that approximately 21.7% of Oklahoma teens use e-cigarettes.
The study found the following top 10 states with the highest rates of high school e-cigarette use:
| Rank | State | Percentage of High School E-Cigarette Users |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | 27.5% |
| 2 | Alaska | 26.1% |
| 3 | Montana | 25.5% |
| 3 | Louisiana | 25.5% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 25.4% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 24.2% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 23.8% |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 21.7% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 21.6% |
| 10 | Oregon | 21.4% |
Despite federal law prohibiting the sale of all tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 years old, states have the option to continue with their current minimum age laws. The study’s findings highlight the need for stricter regulations to protect youth from the dangers of vaping.
Nicholas Bellofatto, Director of Admissions for The Freedom Center, emphasized the importance of prioritizing teen health and advocating for stronger measures to curb the underage vaping pandemic. He stated, “Although states are making progress with various laws designed to reduce youth e-cigarette use, we can see from this top ten list that something clearly isn’t working. It’s up to us to figure out why these hotspots exist and decide what we can do to curb the underage vaping pandemic before the damage to our young people becomes irreversible.”
The study’s results underscore the urgent need for effective interventions and policies to address the growing problem of underage vaping across the United States. By identifying the states with the highest rates of teen e-cigarette use, this research can help guide targeted efforts to prevent nicotine addiction among youth and promote healthier lifestyles.
We all know that vaping has become a significant issue among young people in recent years. With alarming numbers of middle school students and even children as young as seven or eight years old beginning to vape, it’s clear that we must address this problem head-on. The nicotine addiction risk for children and teens is considerably higher than for adults, and the fact that a single vape cartridge can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes only highlights the urgency of this matter.
Read moreIn the constantly evolving landscape of tobacco and vaping regulations, Oklahoma has recently made a significant change. Governor Kevin Stitt has signed into law H.B. 2165, which reinstates fines for underage possession of tobacco and vaping products. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of this new law and its potential impact on Oklahoma’s youth and communities.
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